The fact of getting up on a surfboard in the middle of the sea already has merit. The take off or Pop up is where you start, however, there are many surf tricks. Once you gain control of the surfboard, a new world of infinite possibilities opens up: Bottom turn, floater, rentry, aerial. Maybe it sounds like Chinese to you, but when you progress in your surfing these tricks will help you make the most of the waves.
What are the most commonly used surf maneuvers?
Here, we talk about the 6 maneuvers that every surfer should know. However, you can find more in the Surfyspot Surfer’s Glossary.
🏄 Bottom Turn 🏄♂️
Once you’ve mastered the takeoff, the next step is usually learning the bottom turn, aiming to turn to ride the wave’s face. The turn is made towards the wave’s face to catch its line. If you have more experience, you can perform several bottoms on the same wave. It’s a key move to gain speed, executed by digging the edge of the board to propel it towards the wave’s face. Timing is crucial in the bottom turn; it must be done at the right moment to control the board, follow the wave without losing speed or balance. perder velocidad o equilibrio.
🏄 Cut back 🏄♂️
This maneuver involves making a 180-degree turn to return to the wave and regain its power as the wave face diminishes. In the cutback, the direction of our gaze and anticipating the turn we want to make are crucial. The cutback is one of the first maneuvers taught when you have a certain level of wave reading skills.
🏄 Floater 🏄♂️
It’s a movement that involves moving across the wave’s crest, which pushes you back into its body. This maneuver helps you surf for a longer time, taking advantage of waves that are about to break, regaining strength and speed. The floater is a surf trick that requires a lot of technique. It starts with a surfer’s propulsion to reach the wave’s upper part and then land back, entering a new section, overcoming a breaking or ending wave.
🏄 Duck Dive 🏄♂️
Also known as ducking. Duck dive is a surf trick used to pass under a breaking wave. It is very useful as it helps you get to the peak with less effort. By going underneath, the waves won’t drag you as much as on the surface. It’s essential to know that the larger and more buoyant the board you are using, the more challenging it will be to perform this maneuver, as it will be harder to sink the board. Small, fiberglass boards with a pointed or sharp nose are perfect for duck diving. To execute a good duck dive, you submerge the board’s nose, holding it with your hands, and push with your knee or back foot for more power. Once past the wave, resurface.
🏄 Nose Ride 🏄♂️
Nose riding is a maneuver often associated with longboarding. It involves walking on the board to the nose and riding the wave from that position. Once both feet are placed at the nose, different variations can be executed, such as Hang 5 or Hang 10, depending on your position on the nose, following the wave from this part of the board.
🌊 Wipeout 🌊
Also known as a washer, without spinning, with a lot of water. It’s that tumble you get from the waves when you fall off the board or they roll over you. It’s true, it’s not a maneuver, but it’s important to observe how we face this involuntary movement. Faced with an imminent wipeout, first, take a deep breath because you don’t know when the wave will let you resurface, and above all, stay calm. Let the wave take you and protect your head, especially if you’re surfing in rocky or reef spots.
Do you want to practice these maneuvers? Book your next surf class now with Surfyspot, and we’ll see you in the water!
